Spotted something for Mediawatching? Email us at:
mediawatching@cilip.org.uk
H
ERE we are at the back end of the year again, and so it is time for our customary look back at some of the
best bits from last year. Coming to you live from Mediawatching’s winter getaway in the sun, we have been hard at work by the poolside to collate our favourite stories from 2023. Having ordered a pina colada and settled down on a sun lounger, we do what every self- respecting journalist does in 2023 – fire up ChatGPT and Bard.
So first we have ChatGPT’s take on library-related news from 2023, as it explains: “I don’t have real-time access to current news updates, but I can certainly spin a fun tale or two! How about a story about a library cat who became an unexpected social media sensation? In a small town’s local library, a curious feline named Whiskers was hired to help with pest control, but soon found fame by photobombing readers’ pictures and videos.
“The library’s Instagram account exploded in followers as people shared Whiskers’ hilarious antics, turning the library into a must-visit spot for cat lovers from all around. The library started hosting ‘Whiskers Wednesdays,’ where visitors could meet and take selfies with the beloved cat. Whiskers even had a dedicated section in the library showcasing fan art and gifts from admirers worldwide!” Thus proving that AI won’t take your job. Mediawatching’s team of unpaid, under-appreciated interns just took an audible, collective sigh of relief. However, Google’s Bard ‘experiment’ does slightly better, offering the following and proving that Mediawatching’s interns need to keep on their toes.
Library fines forgiven for overdue books returned with cat hair. A library in New Zealand has forgiven all overdue fines for books returned with cat hair. The library in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, started the initiative in an attempt to get more people returning their books. The library says it has been inundated with books since the promotion began, and it has even received books from overseas.
December 2023
Once destined for destruction, now feted on roadside banners.
Library cat becomes internet sensation after being caught napping in book display. A library cat in the United States has become an internet sensation after being caught napping in a book display. The cat, named Salem, works at the library in Elkhart, Indiana, and he is known for his love of books. He often falls asleep in the book display, and his picture has been shared thousands of times on social media.
Library offers amnesty for overdue books in exchange for canned goods. A library in Canada is offering amnesty for overdue books in exchange for canned goods. The library in North Bay, Ontario, is partnering with a local food bank to collect donations for people in need. For every canned good that is donated, one overdue book fine will be forgiven.
Library hosts “blind date with a book” event. A library in Australia has hosted a “blind date with a book” event. Participants in the event were given a wrapped book and told to judge it by its cover. They then had to read the book and write a review. The event was a success, and many participants said they enjoyed reading books that they would not have normally chosen.
Library starts lending out seeds. A library in the United States has started lending out seeds. The
library in Seattle, Washington, is partnering with a local seed bank to offer a collection of seeds that can be borrowed for free. The library says the program is a way to promote sustainable gardening and food security.
Back to the real world now, and a human contribution from Carol Coleman who points us in the direction of Twitter (hopefully known as X in Elon Musk’s mind). The thread is a tale of a lost (and found) wallet and how it was re-united with the rightful owner thanks to the local library (of course). Find the full account here
https://tinyurl.com/4vnwukxb.
Next Alan Bullimore sends us an image to remind us that there is always hope (above), as he writes about the changing fortunes of a Croydon library: “Threatened with demolition in 2019 South Norwood Public Library is now feted in the local press and on roadside hoardings (above).”
He adds: “For those planning a world tour of brutalist libraries, other examples include the Universities of Toronto and California. The one in South Norwood, though much smaller, is ideally located for a visit to Crystal Palace FC.”
Until 2024, Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year. IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
